Two police officers were shot in the line of duty in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, late Saturday, according to state public safety spokesman Warren Strain.
The two died from their wounds after being taken to a local hospital, CNN affiliate WDAM reported, citing Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict.
Police have apprehended one suspect and are searching for another who is at large, the local broadcaster reported.
The two used a police vehicle to flee, which was later found abandoned, according to WDAM.
“The men and women who go out every day to protect us, the men and women who go out every day to make sure that we are safe, were turned on tonight,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree.
He spoke about the shooting earlier in the night, before WDAM reported that both officers had died.
Dupree vowed that the perpetrators of the attack would face justice.
Police in Oxford, Mississippi, sent out condolences in a tweet.
“Both Hattiesburg Police Officers have died. Terrible. Prayers to the entire community and families,” it read.
Local media have published names for the deceased officers and the suspects. CNN is reaching out to police to confirm them.
